What is Learn to Play?

Learning to play hockey is more than just learning a game. More than skating, passing and stick-handling, hockey is about responsibility, respect and teamwork. As children learn the skills needed to succeed on the ice, they also build and solidify important character traits needed to succeed off the ice. With that in mind, the Learn to Play initiative was developed jointly by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association to offer more families a chance to experience everything that makes youth hockey so rewarding.

Developed with the help of experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, the Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first time participants, free head-to-toe equipment, weekly sessions of age appropriate on-ice instruction and certified coaching, led by National Hockey League Alumni, in a fun and safe atmosphere. Learn to Play on-ice instruction plans have been developed in collaboration with experts from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada and taught by certified instructors and led by National Hockey League Alumni.

Program Fees

The program provides FREE head-to-toe equipment for your child to keep as they continue exploring youth hockey. However, there is a participation fee associated with the program which offsets ice and coaching expenses. The participation fee may vary by facility and market.

Additional Program Information

This program is designed for first-time players only.

If your child does not know how to skate, we highly recommend you sign up for a "Learn to Skate" class at a local rink. Most of the participating rinks have these programs.

Participants must register online. Phone and/or in-person registration at individual rinks will NOT be accepted.

If your preferred locations are sold out before you register, please complete the waiting list form. If an opening becomes available, you may be contacted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Learn to Play program?

The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association have identified the need for a unified growth strategy as a priority for the sport of hockey. As a result, the Learn to Play Initiative (LTP), a joint (NHLPA/NHL) grassroots hockey initiative was created to offer more families an opportunity to see what makes youth hockey great. For potential first time participants to the sport, this program changes the way hockey is offered to inspire new families to join the hockey community and provide an age-appropriate program based on the latest child development research.

With certified coaches, led by NHL Alumni, the on-ice program will provide a fun and safe atmosphere for learning the basic skills of ice hockey.

Who is eligible to register for the Learn to Play Hockey program?

The program is offered to new, first-time participants (boys and girls). First-time participants are those participants who have not previously been registered to a USA Hockey or Hockey Canada sanctioned minor hockey program.

Does my child need to know how to skate before they sign up for the Learn to Play Hockey program?

It is recommended for a child who has no prior ice skating experience to enroll in a “learn to skate” program, but not required. Most rinks also have regular ice skating sessions which are open to the public and a great way to gain experience and confidence on the ice.

Where will the Learn to Play Hockey be offered?

A list of locations offering Learn to Play in your area can be found on this page.

How much do the Learn to Play Hockey sessions cost?

The program provides FREE head-to-toe equipment, however, there is a participation fee associated with the program which offsets ice and coaching expenses. The participation fee may vary by facility.

What do these costs include/cover?

These costs cover ice time and other associated fees.

What equipment is included/required for the Learn to Play program?

Upon being accepted into the Learn to Play program, each participant will receive FREE head-to-toe equipment. The equipment package includes; a helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, hockey skates, a hockey stick, jersey, socks and an equipment bag. We also recommend a mouth guard and athletic supporter for all participants. All equipment is required to be worn during each on-ice session. Participants may keep the equipment upon graduating from the Learn to Play program.

Can I register my child for multiple years?

Unfortunately not. The LTP program is offered to only new, first-time participants. Host facilities/organizations will provide participants with direction on transitional, next-step programming available in your market.

What is USA Hockey (USAH) / Hockey Canada (HC)?

The National Governing Bodies for youth hockey in the United States and Canada, respectively.

Does the National Governing Body membership expire?

Yes, the membership is valid for the current youth hockey season. Upon enrolling in your next hockey program beyond the current playing season, standard fees will apply.

Why does my child have to be registered with the National Governing Body?

The Governing Body provides a number of resources for the Learn to Play program, including; age-appropriate training modules and practice plans, coaching certification, background screening and insurance for all Learn to Play participants.

What is the Governing Body fee for the Learn to Play program?

Registration with the Governing Bodies is included for the Learn to Play program. Should you elect to enroll in a future hockey program upon graduating from the Learn to Play Program, standard Governing Body fees will apply.

What time should I arrive at the arena?

You should arrive a minimum of 60 minutes prior to start time for your first on-ice session to provide enough time for your child to check-in and get dressed before taking to the ice.

I want to register my child for the Learn to Play Hockey program, but it is sold out, is there a waiting list?

Yes. In the event that the session that you are attempting to register for is sold out, you will automatically be added to a waiting list and contacted should a spot become available.

How will I know if my child has been accepted into a Learn to Play Hockey session from the waiting list?

If you have been moved off the waiting list and have been placed into a Learn to Play Hockey session, you will be contacted via email by a NHL Club/program representative. In the event that no spots become available, you will be contacted by a NHL Club representative to discuss future Learn to Play program opportunities.

What is the next step after the Learn to Play Hockey program?

You will be provided with an overview of next step/transition programs by your host facility/organization prior to graduating from the Learn to Play program. Additional information will be available for families at the LTP Graduation Event.

(a) All participants must be no older than 9 years old OR younger than 5 years old by the first session, no exceptions.
(b) Children who previously have participated in a youth hockey program or association are not eligible to participate in Learn to Play. Discovery of participation will result in removal from the program without refund.

I confirm the registrant was born between and .

My child is is in good physical condition, is physically fit to participate in the Learn to Play Program and is not subject to any medical condition that poses or may pose any risk of harm or disability. I understand it is recommended that my child have ice skating experience before starting the Learn to Play program.

Gender*: Male Female

Citizenship*: USA CAN Other

Guardian 1 Information

Relationship*: Mother Father Guardian

Citizenship: USA CAN Other

Cell or Primary Phone with Area Code - e.g. 123-456-7890

Guardian 2 Information

Relationship:
Mother Father Guardian

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NHL Club Waiver

DIRECTIONS:
To participate in the Toronto Maple Leafs Learn to Play Program (the "Program"), ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN THE FOLLOWING WAIVER.
1. Print ONE COPY PER PARTICIPANT or COMPLETE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR ONLINE DEVICE.
2. Each participant that has reached the age of majority in his/her province must complete and sign the waiver below.
3. Each participant under the age of majority in his/her province must have his/her parent or guardian sign the waiver below.
All participants must complete and submit a waiver online (using their smartphone or other online device)
or bring the signed waiver to registration on the day of the Program for which they are registered.
First Name: ___________________________________Last Name:_____________________________________________________
Birthdate: _____ /_____/_____ Age: ________
dd mm yr
Address: ___________________________________City: ______________________Province: __________Postal Code: __________
Tel: Home: (____) _______________ Mobile: (____) _________________E-mail: __________________________________________
* Please indicate, by checking the box below, what information you would like to receive:
Yes! Id like to receive last minute ticket offers from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Yes! Id like to receive special offers and promotions from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
For more information on MLSEs privacy policy, visit www.mlse.com or send an email to the privacyoffice@mapleleafsports.com. If, at any time, Participant would like to withdraw the above consent to communications from MLSE, Participant may do so by sending an email to privacyoffice@mapleleafsports.com indicating Participants desire to withdraw from any future communication from MLSE or by clicking the "unsubscribe mechanism" contained in any email communication from MLSE.
In consideration of the individual whose name is set forth above (the "Participant") being permitted by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership ("MLSE") to participate in the Program and the games, events and activities related thereto at the (Location/Name of Venue) on (date of Program), Participant, or if Participant is under the age of majority in the province in which Participant resides, I, __________________________________, the parent or legal guardian of the Participant, on behalf of Participant, hereby:
1.(a) acknowledge that Participants participation in the Program involves risk of serious bodily injury, death, property damage and/or other harm which might result not only from the Participants actions, inactions, or negligence, but also from the actions, inactions or negligence of others, the conditions of the premises or of any equipment used, and that there may be other risks not known or reasonably foreseeable at this time; and (b) accept sole responsibility for all of the hazards and risks to Participant and Participants property associated with or related to Participants participation in the Program and for any damage or injury that Participant may cause to others;
2.fully and forever release, discharge and indemnify MLSE, NHL Enterprises, L.P., NHL Enterprises Canada, L.P., NHL Enterprises B.V., NHL Interactive CyberEnterprises, LLC, the National Hockey League, and its member clubs, the respective parent companies and affiliates of the foregoing, and all of their respective directors, officers, owners, partners, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns, together with all Program directors, volunteers, staff, coaches, training and medical personnel (collectively, the "Released Entities") of and from any and all causes of action, lawsuits, losses, damages, injuries, howsoever occurring, whether by negligence or otherwise (including, but not limited to death), claims, demands, sums, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees and disbursements), transportation related to the Program and any other liability of any kind, of or to me or the Participant or any of the Participants representatives, heirs, next of kin or assignees ("Participants Representatives") may have or which may hereinafter accrue to Participant or Participants Representatives as a result of Participants participation in the Program, or otherwise, and which may be asserted by Participant or Participants Representatives against the Released Entities, directly or indirectly arising out of or in connection with my participation in and attendance at the Program;
3.agree to indemnify, save and hold harmless the Released Entities from loss, liability, damage or cost that may incur due to the Participants participation in the Program, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Entities or otherwise;
4.understand and acknowledge that it is the intention of the Released Entities to film and photograph the Program. I give and grant to the Released Entities and their respective affiliates, licensees, employees and agents, the exclusive, irrevocable and perpetual right (including, without limitation, all now and hereafter existing common law, statutory and moral rights throughout the world, regardless of whether or not such rights are now known) in and to the Participants services, performance and the materials created in connection with all photographs or video footage of the Participant produced or caused to be produced by the Released Entities in connection with the Participants participation in and attendance at the Program (collectively, the "Materials") and in and to the results and proceeds of such services, including, without limitation, the perpetual and unlimited right to reproduce (by electrical transcription, tape or other recording process whether now known or hereafter developed) any and all of the Materials produced and the complete and unencumbered right, throughout the world, to exhibit, record, reproduce, broadcast, transmit, publish, sell, distribute, perform and use, for any purpose, in any manner, by any means and in any medium, whether now known or hereafter developed, all or any part or parts of the matter and things referred to in this paragraph. I acknowledge that I shall not have or claim to have any right, title or interest in or to the Materials produced hereunder. The Released Entities may use all, or only a part, or none of the Materials, as they determine;
5.acknowledge that, if this waiver is not signed by Participants parent or guardian, Participant represents that Participant has reached the age of majority in his/her province of residence;
6.acknowledge that the Released Entities are relying on the grant of rights contained herein; and
7.further agree that this document is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and operates to the benefit of the Released Parties as well as their administrators, successors and assigns, and is binding on me and my heirs, administrators, successors, assigns, insurers and estate.
I HAVE READ THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, RELEASE AND WAIVER FORM CAREFULLY. I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENT, AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO ITS TERMS. BY SIGNING THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, RELEASE AND WAIVER, I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE.

I agree to the Terms.

Initials

By initialing above and clicking “Agree & Continue", you agree that the information you provide will be shared by us with the National Hockey League, National Hockey League Players' Association, USA Hockey, Hockey Canada, and your local ice rink as necessary in order to administer your child’s participation in the program (and related hockey programs). For more information on how each of these organizations may treat this information, please review their privacy policies.

Additionally, by initialing above and clicking “Agree & Continue” a one time survey will be sent to the registered email address at the conclusion of the program. The NHL and NHLPA place a high value in creating a positive experience for you and your family. This feedback is extremely important to the success and growth of the Learn to Play Initiative.

Yes, I want NHL and Member Club news, info, and offers, which includes official Learn to Play program communications. Yes, I want offers from & news and info about NHL business partners, which includes the NHLPA and USA Hockey.

Yes, I want the NHL and its Member Clubs to send me NHL news, offers, and other info about the NHL and its Member Clubs, which includes official Learn to Play program communications. Yes, I want the NHL to send me news, offers and other info on behalf of the NHLPA, Hockey Canada and NHL’s other Business Partners, and share my information with these parties so they may send me similar messages.

NHL is seeking your consent on behalf of itself and its Member Clubs, and the NHLPA and the NHL's other Business Partners. You may withdraw your consent at any time.
NHL, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 | NHL.com/contact

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